Gospel Reading: Mt 13:54-58
Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
REFLECTION
Is He not the Carpenter’s Son?
Jesus’ town mates are amazed at his teachings and his mighty deeds. They all have the same lowly background. They know everything about him, including his family and relatives.
On the natural plane, they overlook that, at his age, Jesus may have learned a lot. He has accumulated wisdom and skills through his regular attendance of Sabbath services and his participation at Jewish religious festivals, as the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In the Temple, he will be seen discussing and debating with the experts on the usual questions of the day, like paying tax and how to keep the Sabbath.
What the people cannot accept is that Jesus comes from God. Jesus has revealed his identity, but they do not believe him. As a result of their disbelief, Jesus does not perform many miracles in Nazareth. Faith in him is necessary to benefit from his power and experience his mighty deeds.
Do you believe in Jesus – not just believe in his miracles but also in his teachings?
Put aside your own beliefs and learn his paradigms.
Grow in faith through the teachings of his Church.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.